Acquisition Manager

Location: South East (Ideally London)
Salary: Up to £55,000 + Discretionary Bonus
Contract: Full Time, Permanent, Hybrid

About the Role
Our client is a fast-growing early years education provider with sites across London and the UK. As a CertifiedBCorp and “Great Place to Work,” it’s known for its progressive curriculum and people-first culture. We are looking for a driven and experienced Acquisition Manager to help them grow and acquire new sites, working closely with the Head of Acquisition. In this role you will take control of the full acquisition process, from site identification through to completion – working across the UK, with a particular focus on London and the South East. You will take ownership of a high-performing acquisition pipeline and be instrumental in delivering a high volume of new sites per year.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with 3–5 years of acquisition experience, who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and is motivated by delivering results and driving growth.

Key Responsibilities
Site Identification & Acquisition

• Proactively source on-market and off-market opportunities that align with our client’s strategic growth objectives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords, agents, developers, and key market players
• Assess and shortlist sites based on operational and commercial viability

Deal Structuring & Negotiation

• Lead end-to-end negotiations on lease agreements and acquisitions
• Work with legal and planning teams to manage due diligence, planning applications, and contract execution
• Secure favourable commercial terms that support long-term business sustainability

Internal Collaboration & Feasibility

• Collaborate with internal departments such as Finance, Property, and Architecture to assess project viability
• Prepare and present Investment Committee proposals for approval
• Coordinate with external consultants to ensure timely progress from identification to deal closure

About You

• 3–5 years’ experience in an acquisition-focused role, ideally in the property, real estate, or development sector
• Proven track record of managing multiple live offers simultaneously (typically 4–8)
• Confident in sourcing and closing 5–10 sites annually
• Skilled in negotiation and relationship management with landlords, agents, and developers
• Solid understanding of commercial viability and planning processes
• Strong pipeline management and multitasking ability

Desirable

• Experience within a growth-oriented environment
• Familiarity with collaborating with internal teams (ie architecture, legal, and planning)
• Knowledge of the nursery or educational property market (a plus, not essential)

Qualifications

• Degree in Real Estate, Property Development, Business, or a related discipline (preferred)
• RICS accreditation (or working toward it) is beneficial but not required

Personal Attributes

• High-energy, self-motivated, and performance-driven
• Strategic thinker with hands-on execution skills
• Strong communicator with the ability to influence and build rapport
• Resilient and resourceful – thrives in a high-growth, fast-moving setting

Benefits Package

• Holiday: Up to 35 days annually, including a personal “Me” day and office closure between Christmas and New Year

Wellbeing & Perks:

• Free daily lunches and drinks
• Gym discounts, health cash plans, and digital fitness access
• Emergency childcare days
• 40% nursery childcare discount

Career & Financial Support:

• Annual £100 personal development fund
• Funded professional qualifications and leadership training
• Season ticket and cycle-to-work schemes
• Long-service bonuses at 5 and 10 years (including international travel)
• Referral bonuses up to £1,000
• Access to employee discount platforms

Social Events:

• Annual parties, team events, and more

Please give me a call to discuss (Sam) 07917 042 950.

Sam@varnomross.co.uk

I am a specialist General Practice recruiter with over 9 years’ experience in the industry. If this role isn’t for you but you’d like to discuss your options, I’d love to hear from you.